What is a sentinel node biopsy?

A sentinel node biopsy is a surgery used to find out if cancer has spread from where it started to your lymph nodes. During this procedure, a doctor removes one or more specific lymph nodes called sentinel nodes. These nodes are sent to a laboratory to be checked for cancer cells. The results tell the doctor if the cancer is still in one small area or if it has started to move to other parts of your body.

Your lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands found throughout your body. You have about 600 of them. They act like filters for your immune system, catching things like viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells to keep you healthy.

The "sentinel" node is the very first lymph node that cancer cells would reach if they traveled away from the main tumor. By checking this specific node first, doctors can get a clear picture of how the cancer is behaving without having to remove a large number of nodes.

When do doctors perform this biopsy?

Doctors most commonly use this procedure during the "staging" of breast cancer and melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Staging is the process of figuring out how advanced the cancer is and how much it has spread. This biopsy can also be used to stage cancers of the uterus (endometrial cancer) or the penis.

Researchers are also studying how well this biopsy works for other types of cancer, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal (colon) cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Vulvar cancer

In most cases, the doctor performs the biopsy at the same time they are removing the main tumor. However, sometimes it is done as a separate surgery before or after the main operation.

How does the doctor find the right lymph node?

To find the right nodes, the doctor first needs to map the path the cancer might take. Before the surgery starts, a doctor injects a special dye or a safe radioactive tracer near the tumor. This liquid flows through the same paths that cancer cells would follow, leading the doctor straight to the sentinel nodes.

During the surgery, the doctor locates these marked nodes, removes them through a small cut, and sends them to a pathologist. A pathologist is a specialist doctor who looks at cells under a microscope to identify diseases.

How should I get ready for the surgery?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow before your appointment. These usually include:

• Fasting: You will be told when to stop eating and drinking. It is very important to follow these rules for your safety while you are under anesthesia.
• Medicines: Your doctor will tell you which vitamins, herbal supplements, or prescription medicines you should stop taking for a short time.

On the day of the surgery, you must arrange for someone to drive you home because you will be sleepy from the medicine used during the procedure.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The procedure follows these general steps:

1. Anesthesia: You will receive general anesthesia through an IV in your arm. This puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel any pain during the surgery.
2. Finding the Node: Once you are asleep, the doctor uses a special tool (like a gamma detector) to find the radioactive tracer or looks for the blue dye that has colored the sentinel nodes.
3. Removal: The doctor makes a small cut (incision) in the skin and carefully removes the identified nodes.
4. Closing Up: The doctor closes the cut using stitches and covers it with a bandage.

The removed nodes are then sent immediately to the lab for testing.

How many nodes are taken out?

The number of nodes removed depends on your specific case. The doctor wants to remove enough nodes to get an accurate result but as few as possible to avoid side effects. Most doctors remove between one and five nodes. Some studies suggest three is usually enough, while others suggest five might be needed for a perfect diagnosis. Your doctor will decide the best number based on what they see during the operation.

What should I expect after the surgery?

Most patients go home the same day, though some may stay in the hospital overnight so the doctor can watch them. As you heal at home, you may notice:

• Soreness: You will likely feel some pain or tenderness near the cut.
• Numbness: You might feel tingling or a loss of feeling near the area; this is normal as your nerves heal.
• Color Changes: The blue dye can turn your urine or stool green or blue for a day or two. It can also leave a blue stain on your skin near the surgery site.
• Firmness: The area might feel hard as scar tissue forms under the skin.
• Stiffness: If nodes were removed from your armpit, your arm might feel stiff for a while.

Most people need to avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for a few weeks. Always ask your doctor when it is safe to return to your normal routine.

What are the risks of this biopsy?

While this is considered a safe surgery, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Infection: Any cut can get infected. Signs include redness, warmth, fever, or swelling.
• Allergic Reaction: In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the blue dye used.
• Lymphedema: This is a condition where fluid builds up in the arm or leg because the lymph nodes are gone, causing swelling and discomfort. This is rare when only a few nodes are removed.
• Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS): Also called "cording," this feels like tight cords under the skin of your inner arm. This can happen if nodes are removed from the armpit and may appear weeks or months later.

What do the results mean?

The results of the biopsy are usually described as "negative" or "positive":

• Negative Result: This means no cancer cells were found in the sentinel nodes. It is very likely the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
• Positive Result: This means cancer cells were found in the sentinel nodes. If this happens, the doctor may need to remove more lymph nodes or suggest different treatments like chemotherapy or radiation to make sure all cancer cells are treated.

How long does it take to get results?

Sometimes the doctor can get a quick "preliminary" result while you are still in surgery. If that result is positive, they might remove more nodes right then so you do not need a second surgery. However, the final, detailed report usually takes a few days to a few weeks.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after your surgery:

• A fever.
• Increasing redness, heat, or swelling around the cut.
• Fluid or blood leaking from the incision.
• Pain that gets worse even after you take your pain medicine.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Lucknow, India. Our experienced breast and oncological surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to accurately identify and examine the sentinel lymph node to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor with precise and effective results. We ensure accurate diagnosis, personalized surgical planning, and comprehensive post-operative care for safe and smooth recovery. With expert oncological care and affordable pricing, our Sentinel Node Biopsy cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality cancer staging and diagnostic treatment in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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